The Boston Celtics could exploring trading for Eric Bledsoe, who finds himself suddenly fighting for a spot in the Phoenix Suns' backcourt rotation.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonough has admitted there will be an "open competition" for a starting role at the backcourt, which may force Phoenix to consider one of their rotation of guards. While McDonough insisted the franchise has not "pre-determined anything" yet about their backcourt logjam, recent rumors have suggested that Eric Bledsoe could be the likely trade piece.
"It's going to be an open competition," McDonough said, reports NBA.com. "We haven't pre-determined anything. We have at least three starting caliber guards - and maybe even more than that potentially."
Bledsoe only played 31 games last season before suffering a torn left meniscus in his left knee that forced him to skip the remainder of the season. But prior to his season-ending injury, the 26-year-old point guard was putting All-Star numbers, averaging 20.4 points and 6.1 assists per game.
Coming off a serious setback, Bledsoe should still make an impact in his return, but may not be as effective as he was playing for the Suns, who may have found their next star in Devin Booker.
It is unclear whether the Suns would truly consider trading Bledsoe, but there are speculations about the Celtics potentially exploring a deal using Avery Bradley as trade chip.
The Celtics have been looking for another proven star to add to their already-promising roster. For the right price, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has insisted he is willing to give up assets if such move would help them become legit contenders in the league.
Bledsoe would be a tremendous boost for Boston on both ends of the floor and should help carry some of the scoring load Al Horford is expected to do. With Isaiah Thomas running the point for Boston, Bledsoe could play as a combo-guard, creating a speedy backcourt for the Celtics.
On the other hand, Bradley would still add up to the Suns' heavy-guard rotation, but his presence would give Phoenix elite perimeter defense. With Booker and Brandon Knight inclined to contribute offensively, Bradley could simply focus on offering the Suns defense at the backcourt.
However, trading Bradley alone would not work under salary guidelines, which means any potential deal should require the Celtics to add in another key player like Kelly Olynyk, who has also been rumored as one of the Celtics' tradable assets.
Would the Celtics and Suns work out a deal involving Bledsoe? The Suns have been hesitant about moving Bledsoe this offseason, but the Celtics have plenty of assets at their disposal. At this point a trade seems unlikely, but it should be something the Suns' may reconsider at the right price.
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